"Your Majesty does not seem to realize the seriousness of the matter," choked the Grand Chew Chew. "He will set fire to the island and make us all slaves." At this, the courtiers began banging their heads distractedly on the grass. "Set fire to the island!" exclaimed the Scarecrow, jumping to his feet. "Then peace to _my_ ashes! Tappy, will you see that they are sent back to Oz?" "Save us! Save us!" screamed the frightened Silvermen. "The prophecy of the beanstalk has promised that you would save us. You are the Emperor Chang Wang Woe," persisted the Grand Chew Chew, waving his long arms. "Woe is me," murmured the Scarecrow, clasping his yellow gloves. "But let me think." CHAPTER 9 "SAVE US WITH YOUR MAGIC, EXALTED ONE!" For several minutes, the Scarecrow sat perfectly still while the company stood shaking in their shoes. Then he asked loudly, "Where is the Imperial Army?" "It has retired to the caves at the end of the Island," quavered the Grand Chew Chew. "I thought as much," said the Scarecrow. "But never mind, there are quite a lot of us." "Us!" spluttered a tall Silverman indignantly. "We are not common soldiers." "No, very uncommon ones, but you have hard heads and long nails, and I dare say will manage somehow. Come on, let's go. Chew, you may take the lead." "Go!" shrieked the Grand Chew Chew. "Us?" The Courtiers began backing away in alarm. "Where--er--what--are your Highness' plans?" "Why, just to conquer the King of the Golden Islands and send him back home," said the Scarecrow, smiling engagingly. "That's what you wanted, isn't it?" "But it is not honorable for noblemen to fight. It--" "Oh, of course, if you prefer burning--" The Scarecrow rose unsteadily and started for the garden gates. Not a person stirred. The Scarecrow looked back, and his reproachful face was too much for Happy Toko. "I'll come, exalted and radiant Scarecrowcus! Wait, honorable and valiant Sir!" "Bring a watering can, if you love me," called the Scarecrow over his shoulder, and Happy, snatching one from a frightened gardener, dashed after his Master. "If things get too hot, I'd like to know that you can put me out," said the Scarecrow, his voice quivering with emotion. "You shall be rewarded for this, my brave Tappy." Happy did not answer, for his teeth were chattering so he could not speak. The harbor lay just below the Imperial Palace, and the Scarecrow and Happy hurried on through the crowds of fleeing Silvermen, their household goods packed upon their heads. Some cheered faintly for Chang Wang Woe, but none offered to follow, save the faithful Happy. "Is this king old?" asked the Scarecrow, looking anxiously at the small boats full of warriors that were putting out from the fleet. "He is the son of the King whom your Majesty conquered fifty years ago," gulped Happy. "Ha--has your Imperial Highness any--plan?" "Not yet," said the Scarecrow cheerfully, "but I'm thinking very hard."